JOAO PESSOA...
Where The Sun Rises First
Than Anywhere Else
Joa Pessoa Handicraft, Paraiba State - © Embratur
Joao Pessoa, capital of the state of Paraiba in the NE of Brazil, is literally the place where the sun rises first.
Ponta do Seixas, some 14 km. from downtown Joao Pessoa, is the easternmost point of the American Continent-only three hours time difference with UK.
In addition, according to a 1992 United Nations survey, is one of the cities with the highest green area per inhabitant in the world-700 ha. of forested land.
As a matter of fact, it comes second. Paris holds the first place.
Two huge green areas illustrate the point...
- Arruda Camara Park or "Bica"
- Solon de Lucena Park or "Lagoa"
A tradition that you shouldn't miss when you get there is to watch a sunset at Jacare beach to the sound of Ravel's Bolero performed by a sax player.
And talking about beaches, here are some of the most famous...
- Jacare
- Jacuma
- Coquerinhos
- Tambaba
- Tabatinga
- Tambau
- Cabo Branco
- Manaira
- Praia da Penha
Please don't forget to visit Areia Vermelha island and the natural ponds of Picaozinho.
Joa Pessoa: Areia Vermelha Island - © Embratur
So what can you do there to delight yourself?...
Well...beautiful beaches with white sand bathed by a turquoise blue sea seems to be a good incentive, don't you think?...
- swimming
- snorkelling
- scuba diving
- sailing
- windsurfing
- night sky diving
- kite gliding
- 4x4 excursions
- beach buggy rides
- boat strolls
You won't get bored there even if you try!...
Joao Pessoa is a city filled with Brazilian culture and charm, with the unique blend of Indian, Portuguese, African and Dutch elements that characterizes the Brazilian NE.
Even though, the African share is not as pronounced as you will see in Salvador do Bahia for instance.
It is also the 3rd. oldest city in Brazil- founded in 1585.
It has a rich architectonic patrimony of baroque style and nowhere is so evident than at..
- Church São Francisco de Assis
- Convent San Antonio
Both dating back to 17th. century.
But your visit to historic J.P. it doesn't finish there...
- Church of NS da Guia
- Church NS do Carmo
- Palacio da Redenção (Redemption's Palace). 1586.
- Santa Rosa Theater
- Santa Catarina fortress in Cabedelo town, with cannons more than four centuries old.
And if you have the time, don't miss a trip to the sertão in neighboring Ceara state.
BR-232 will take you to Campina Grande, Patos and the pilgrim town of Juazeiro do Norte.
Five hours west of Campina Grande you'll find Vale dos Dinosauras (Dinosaur Valley), where various pre-historic reptiles left their footprints preserved in stone.
How many millions of years it took to convert the swamp and jungle of one time into the semi-arid landscape of today?..
Joa Pessoa: Cabo Branco - © Embratur
How to Get There:
By Air:
J.P. has an international airport: Presidente Castro Pinto. Otherwise, you can fly to Recife, around 120 km. away.
By Road:
From Fortaleza through BR-116 an then BR-230
Where to Stay:
- Igatu Praia Hotel:
1984, Cabo Branco Ave - Caicara Hotel:
235, Olinda Ave - Parthenon Tambau Flat Hotel:
55, Pres. Epitacio Pessoa Ave - Tropical Tambau Beach Vacation:
229, Almirante Tamandare Ave
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